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The first thing to keep in mind for a
Christian single person to achieve a successful holiday season is to Stay
involved. Avoid isolation and loneliness. At this time of year, because there is
such an overwhelming emphasis on family togetherness, loneliness for Christian
singles can get worse. Itıs like singles donıt exist. They are invisible!
Therefore, the Christian single must take some action to not slip into
loneliness. A good way to approach this is to ask the Lord who you might be able
to help to diminish their loneliness. Saint Paul writes in Galatians 6: 7:
"Whatever a man sows that shall he also reap." In other words:
whatever it is that you need, you will receive by giving that thing you need to
someone else. For instance, if you need more money, you give money . If you need
love, you give love. So if you are lonely, see what you can do about helping
someone else out of their loneliness. Consider inviting friends over to your
place. Is there someone in your church that needs a visit or a phone call? We
receive by giving.
If you are not in a relationship, but
would like to be in one, then take advantage of the many holiday church related
events to fellowship and connect with other single believers. Meeting that right
person has everything to do with being in a variety of satisfying relationships
with a number of interesting people. There is usually no such thing as a lonely,
desperate person finding that "right One." Finding the "right
one" has everything to do with being actively involved in life, a life
guided by The Master. It is wise to participate in as many church activities as
you can.
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Networking with other church members,
especially married couples, can be a good way to prospect for a mate.
These folks sometimes like to be on the lookout to matchmake singles in the congregation. It is usually a slow time for
Church activities between New Years and Valentines Day. So take advantage of
these opportunities now.
However, don't be too hard on your self if
you are not into participating right now. The most important thing is that
you strengthen your faith and stay connected while enjoying the
holidays. Attending Services and Close, fun time with a few good friends can be
sufficient. Nurturing yourself like this is also good progress toward meeting
and finding the special person that God has for you.
If you are in a relationship, be easy and
forgiving with each other during this joyous but stressful time of year.
Remember you can not change the other person. Only Jesus can do that. ( Matthew
7: 3: And why do you look at the speck in your brotherıs eye, but do not
consider the plank in your own eye.") You can only decide to let God change
you. So you, with The Lords help, work on overcoming and modifying your own
character defects. Surprisingly, when you change and grow, it often has the
effect of changing the other person as well and the entire relationship gets
better.
Donıt be sucked into family conflicts.
Family squabbles can get worse at this time of year because the holidays
can put one into situations where you are compelled to interact with
family members even though you may not want to. Unlike the rest of the
year, it is not easy to gracefully avoid difficult family members. One
good way to stay out of trouble is to avoid getting drawn into family
triangles. This is where one family member in conflict with another family |
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member takes you aside and tries to get you to
side with them against another family member. Or they want you to talk for them
with the other family member on their behalf, instead of going straight to that
person themselves. As the scripture indicates we should first go directly and
confidentially to the person we have a grievance with: Matthew 18: 15 "If a
brother sins against you, go to him privately and confront him with his
fault." So it is best to politely decline becoming involved and step out of
the way so as not to block Godıs light from shinning on this dilemma.
If there is a lot of family dysfunction
(in a polite and respectful manner) keep family visits short. No more than three
to six hours for in town visits. and a three day limit on out of town visits. If
you really feel pressured and uncomfortable, consider staying in a motel during
the visit with your own transportation available. Rent a car if necessary. The
scripture say "Honor Thy Father and Mother." This does not mean that
you must be under their roof for extended periods of time if you feel unable to
do so.
Relax and be as easy on yourself as
possible. Keep in mind that during the holidays as at all times, we are not in
control of how things go. We have only the illusion of control. God is always in
control. We can only do the next right thing. As the eleventh step of AA
admonishes: " We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our
conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and
the power to carry it out."
Neill Scott, LMSW-ACP
Neill Scott is an experienced Licensed Master
Social
Worker/Psychotherapist who works extensively with
singles. He offers
his services to the Christian Community. He is a
committed Christian and
an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in
Houston, Texas. For
other articles and helpful information, please
check out his web site
at: http://ve.net/relationships/
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